Headed out Sun. a.m., searching for those late fall schools in hopes of inviting some of my new-found FFF friends down. The past two years, this weekend and afterwards have been on fire with large schools of nice-sized stripers contained in a very limited, kayakable zone. Glad I issued no invitations.

Alas, hit the water solo at 5:30 a.m. and found a bunch of 20-inch schoolies before sun-up and then nothing. Just one fish. The water was flat calm and I saw absolutely nothing to disrupt that.

Seems everything is delayed this year. Warm waters up north seem to have the fish hanging around up there. I just hope that the waters remain fishable when they do come south. Last year, after Nov. 1, I watched schools breaking in the Sound but couldn't get to them because of the foul weather.

Will keep you updated. Please inform when the vacancy rates rise in those Rhody and Cape fish hotels.

Definitely a late season as far as I can tell. Last weekend's fishing was what we would have expected two-three weeks prior in a likewise location, based on bait behavior and what the fish are doing, not to mention size of fish. Very nice.

I'm not sure about the weekend rates and availability, but the Sand Dollar Inn (Rte 1, Westerly, RI) has a "fisherman's special" for $39 per night (single occupancy, Mon - Thu). Number for reservations is 800-910-7263.